Q. I have what appears to be a D. draco plant that is about 18 feet tall. It has a single stem with no branches. About 10 days ago, after growing for about 50 years, it started to produce a massive flower stalk on top of the 18 foot plant. The stalk is about 8 inches in diameter and has grown about 10 feet! That's a foot a day. And it's still growing.
I believe that after such massive growth the plant will die. Do you have any idea what the species of the plant is--and whether it will die after flowering. I could send you a photo in a separate letter if you're interested.
-Leonard
A. Do they look like these: http://www.arboretum.org/index.php/news/going_out_with_a_big_bang/
Q. The flowering is not finished, but the plant sure does look like this.
It's surely at least a close relative. I'd better buy a tombstone.
This plant is a favorite of mine. The day before flowering began I
accidentally hit a plastic golf ball that landed on top of the
plant. The next day the plant erupted in Jack-in-the-beanstalk
fashion. Even the neighbors noticed. This flower stalk is
huge. I locked the back door so the thing couldn't get in the
house. Is there anything in the literature about golf balls making these
plants flower (joke)? I never disturbed the plant before. Not
in 50 years! Will keep a close eye on it. It's an astounding growth
rate. A foot a day. You guys are sharp. Thanks for
the info.
-A
not so cheery Leonard
A. I suggest using social media –set up a Furcraea cam to follow the progress and decline of the
spectacular bloom. If you get enough traffic to sell advertising you may be
able to earn enough money to replace the plant. In 1999 an infrared webcam set up to follow the progress of the
Huntington Garden’s stinky plant bloom was an early internet sensation. ; )
 |
| Furcraea macdougalii's suicidal blooms at the L.A. County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. |
No comments:
Post a Comment